Respiratory System Disorders Practice Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary-based flashcards covering respiratory disorders, infections, and vascular issues based on the Chapter 13 lecture notes.

Common cold

A viral infection caused by over 200 causative organisms, transmitted by respiratory droplets, and characterized by congestion, rhinorrhea, and mild fever.

Influenza

An infection caused by three groups of viruses (Type A, B, and C) with sudden onset of fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, treated with supportive care or antivirals within $48$ hours.

Sinusitis

A viral or bacterial infection secondary to upper respiratory infection or allergies that causes sinus pressure, facial pain, and purulent nasal discharge.

Laryngotracheobronchitis (Croup)

A viral infection primarily in young children involving inflammation of the larynx and subglottic area, characterized by a barking cough and inspiratory stridor.

Epiglottitis

A medical emergency caused by Haemophilus influenzae B (HIB) in children ages $3-7$ years, involving rapid swelling of the epiglottis that can obstruct the airway.

Tripod position

A physical stance where a child sits with the mouth open, struggling to breathe; a sign often seen in cases of epiglottitis.

Scarlet Fever

Infection caused by group A $\beta$-hemolytic Streptococcus (S. pyogenes) characterized by a strawberry tongue and a fine, red rash on the chest and extremities.

Bronchiolitis

An RSV-driven inflammation and necrosis of the mucosa in small bronchi and bronchioles occurring in infants, often resulting in airway obstruction.

Lobar Pneumonia

A community-based infection usually caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae where inflammation and exudate are localized in one or more lung lobes.

Rusty sputum

A clinical manifestation of lobar pneumonia where the exudate contains fibrin and blood, resulting in discolored expectoration.

Aspiration

The passage of food, fluid, emesis, or foreign material into the trachea and lungs, often due to a depressed gag reflex or dysphagia.

Tuberculosis (TB)

An infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmitted via oral droplets, which can cause caseation necrosis and Ghon complexes in the lungs.

Cavitation

Process in secondary tuberculosis where large areas of necrosis form and erode into blood vessels and bronchi.

Cystic Fibrosis

An autosomal recessive disorder causing a mutation in the CFTR gene, leading to abnormally thick secretions that clog exocrine gland passages.

Sweat test

A diagnostic procedure for Cystic Fibrosis that identifies excessive loss of electrolytes and salty skin.

Metaplasia

The first stage of tissue change in lung cancer secondary to smoking or chronic irritation, which is reversible if the irritation stops.

Asthma

A condition of hypersensitive airways involving inflammation of the mucosa, bronchoconstriction, and increased secretion of thick mucus.

Status Asthmaticus

A medical emergency involving a persistent severe asthma attack that does not respond to usual therapy and may lead to respiratory failure.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A group of chronic respiratory disorders, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, characterized by irreversible and progressive lung damage.

Emphysema

A form of COPD involving the destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elasticity, leading to permanently inflated alveolar air spaces and a barrel chest.

Chronic Bronchitis

A clinical diagnosis defined by a daily productive cough for three months or more in at least two consecutive years, often associated with cyanosis.

Atelectasis

The non-aeration or collapse of a lung or part of a lung, where alveoli become airless, leading to decreased gas exchange.

Pleural Effusion

The presence of excessive fluid (blood, pus, or transudate) in the pleural cavity, which prevents the lung from fully expanding.

Empyema

The presence of pus in the pleural cavity, often resulting from an infection like pneumonia.

Tension Pneumothorax

The most serious form of pneumothorax where air enters the pleural cavity on inspiration but cannot escape, increasing pressure and causing a mediastinal shift.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

A condition characterized by damage to the alveolar-capillary membrane, surfactant dysfunction, and pulmonary edema, often leading to severe hypoxemia.

Pulmonary Edema

Fluid collection in the alveoli and interstitial area, often resulting from heart failure, manifesting as orthopnea and frothy pink sputum.

Pulmonary Embolus (PE)

A blood clot or mass that obstructs the pulmonary artery, with $90$% originating from deep vein thromboses in the legs.